The Besnard Lakes – Scala, London 22/11/11

You wonder whether The Besnard Lakes have ever been the subject of an article failing to mention musical siblings Low, and this isn’t about to break that monotony. But while the comparison is both inescapable and lazy, it’s also the clearest way of articulating the magnificence of the Montreal-based band, for they stand proud alongside Alan and Mimi in terms of class as well as template.

Why this show is taking place isn’t entirely clear, as there’s no new record to promote, but such is the enduring impact of their material it’s a proper treat to behold nevertheless.
Superlative 2010 offering The Besnard Lakes Are The Dark Horse is prominent, and the previous point is illustrated at every turn, with the tracks aired sounding fresh as ever.
While the opening parallel stands, and while it would be churlish to dare suggest they outstrip Low overall, they do offer something that Low don’t quite – the willingness to shake off the shackles and properly rock out.

With Jace Lasek thriving in the central role, and with spouse Olga Goreas cutting a more imposing figure than should be possible with her diminutive frame stepping up to the plate on occasion, they offer similar levels of fragility at times, but more often take you to that next level of indie rockin’ that you sometimes wish Low would entertain.
And with two-part opener ‘Like The Ocean, Like The Innocent’ announcing their arrival in bombastic style their cards are laid out explicitly – with only occasional respite from the squawl and screech.

It’s a blistering set and it’s seemingly all over in next to no time – though the hour and not much more that they play for is horribly inadequate, it must be said.
But double the showtime and their exit would still have been premature and unwelcome – and they effortlessly and instantly justified mention in the same breath as the male/female greats of indie rock: Yo La Tengo, Sonic Youth and of course Low, with Besnard Lakes worthy peers.